seek power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing ambition, influence, or the desire to gain authority or control. Example: "Many individuals in politics often seek power to implement their vision for society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We don't seek power.

The New York Times

seek power," he writes.

The Washington Post

Invariably the most dangerous people seek power".

The New York Times

Rapists seek power, not money.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We seek power out of principle," he told his audience.

Independent

Feminists aren't wrong to seek power, Rebecca learns.

The New York Times - Magazine

They seek power, influence and control over people and resources.

The Guardian

Yet everyone exists in a climate where men who seek power are real men but women who seek power are innately distrustful and fake.

The Guardian - Opinion

What they say is not only untested by power, but the need to seek power.

Independent

Those who seek power because they wish to be loved, however, are doomed to failure.

The Economist

Mar 2nd 2012, 15:53 by B.R. WHY do people seek power?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing political ambition or strategic maneuvering, "seek power" is a direct and effective phrase. Use it to clearly convey the intention of gaining control or influence.

Common error

While appropriate in formal and neutral settings, avoid using "seek power" in casual conversations. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "want influence" or "go after control" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek power" functions as a verb phrase, where "seek" is the main verb and "power" is the direct object. It describes the action of actively pursuing or trying to obtain control or authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seek power" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the intention to gain control or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

It is commonly found in news and media, academic, and encyclopedic sources, indicating its relevance across diverse contexts. When writing, consider the formality of your context. In more informal settings, alternatives like "pursue authority" or "strive for influence" might be more appropriate. However, in formal writing, "seek power" serves as a clear and direct way to express ambition and strategic maneuvering. "Seek power" is a versatile phrase, but always ensure its usage aligns with the intended tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pursue authority

Replaces "power" with "authority", focusing on the legitimacy of the influence being sought.

strive for influence

Substitutes "seek" with "strive for", emphasizing the effort involved in gaining influence.

desire control

Replaces "power" with "control", highlighting the intention to manage or direct situations and people.

aspire to dominance

Uses "aspire to" instead of "seek", suggesting a higher level of ambition towards achieving dominance.

aim for leadership

Focuses on the aspiration for a leadership position, implying a structured form of power.

hunt for supremacy

Replaces "seek" with "hunt for" and "power" with "supremacy", indicating an aggressive pursuit of ultimate authority.

court influence

Uses "court" to mean to try to obtain something, suggesting a calculated approach to gaining influence.

grab for authority

Implies a forceful and perhaps opportunistic attempt to seize authority.

chase clout

Uses the informal term "clout" to describe influence, suggesting a more casual or contemporary context.

maneuver for position

Highlights the strategic actions taken to gain a position of power.

FAQs

What does "seek power" mean?

The phrase "seek power" means to actively pursue or try to obtain control, authority, or influence. It suggests a deliberate effort to gain a position of strength or dominance in a particular context.

How can I use "seek power" in a sentence?

You can use "seek power" in a sentence like this: "Many politicians "seek power" to implement their vision for society", or "Throughout history, individuals "seek power" for various reasons, ranging from personal gain to societal improvement."

What can I say instead of "seek power"?

You can use alternatives like "pursue authority", "strive for influence", or "desire control" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "seek power" or "exercise power"?

"Seek power" refers to the act of trying to gain control or influence, while "exercise power" refers to the act of using the control or influence that one already possesses. The choice depends on whether you're discussing the pursuit or the application of authority.